Springbok eighthman Pierre Spies has signed a three-year contract extension with the Bulls.

Spies was linked to a move to Europe with French club Bayonne rumoured to have offered the player a lucrative deal.

However, the 27-year-old announced his new deal with the Bulls on Tuesday.

‘The Blue Bulls are my rugby home and also the environment in which I grew up,’ he said. ‘It will be an honour to again call it my rugby home for the next three years. I hope I can help write a memorable and successful part of the Bulls history during this time.’

Head coach Frans Ludeke added: ‘Pierre is a senior player and a leader who will have to carry a lot of responsibility in our vision and aim to once again become a title-winning team next season and beyond. I could not have asked for a better role model, person or player to help us become champions again.’

Spies has played in 50 Tests for the Springboks and 89 Super Rugby matches for the Bulls. He will be sidelined for the rest of the year because of a finger injury.